P2264 Water in the fuel sensor circuit

OBD-II Trouble Code - P2264 - Datasheet

P2264 - Water in the fuel sensor circuit.

P2264 is a generic OBD-II code for the engine control module (ECM) detecting that the water-in-fuel sensor circuit voltage is below or above specified limits.

What does trouble code P2264 mean?

This is a generic Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) applicable to many OBD-II vehicles (1996 and newer). This may include, but is not limited to, vehicles from Land Rover (Range Rover), Ford, Hyundai, Jeep, Mahindra, Vauxhall, Dodge, Ram, Mercedes, etc. Despite the general nature, the exact repair steps may vary depending on from year, make, model and transmission configuration.

OBD-II DTC P2264 is associated with water in the fuel sensor circuit, also known as the fuel composition circuit. When the power control module (PCM) detects abnormal signals on the water-in-fuel sensor circuit, P2264 sets and the check engine light comes on. The water in fuel indicator may also come on if the vehicle has this warning indicator. Consult vehicle specific resources to find the sensor location for your specific model year / make / configuration.

A water-in-fuel sensor is designed to monitor the fuel that passes through it to ensure that ethanol, water, and other contaminants do not exceed a certain percentage. In addition, the fuel temperature is measured by a water-in-fuel sensor and converted to a voltage pulse width monitored by the PCM. The PCM uses these readings to adjust the valve timing for optimum performance and fuel economy.

Typical water-in-fuel sensor:

What is the severity of this DTC?

The severity of this code can vary greatly from a simple check engine light or water in a fuel lamp on a car that starts and moves to a car that stalls, misfires, or won't start at all. Failure to correct this situation in a timely manner can result in damage to the fuel system and internal engine components.

What are some symptoms of code P2264?

Symptoms of a P2264 trouble code may include:

• Engine may stall
• Severe misfiring
• The engine will not start
• Poor fuel economy
• Low productivity
• Check engine light is on
• The water-in-fuel indicator is on
• The vehicle may run rough, misfire, or stall if there is water in the fuel.

What are some of the common causes for the code?

Reasons for this P2264 code may include:

• Faulty water in the fuel gauge
• Contaminated fuel
• Blown fuse or jumper wire (if applicable)
• Defective or worn out fuel filter
• Corroded or damaged connector
• Faulty or damaged wiring
• Defective ECU
• The engine control module (ECM) monitors the presence of water in the fuel circuit and determines if the reverse voltage is above or below the sensor threshold.
• The water in fuel sensor is shorted to ground.
• The water-in-fuel sensor is shorted to voltage.
• The water-in-fuel sensor is shorted to signal return.
• The short may be in the sensor or sensor wiring.

What are some steps to troubleshoot the P2264?

The first step in troubleshooting any problem is to review the vehicle-specific Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) by year, model, and powerplant. In some cases, this can save you a lot of time in the long run by pointing you in the right direction.

The second step is to check the vehicle records to find out when the fuel filter was changed and visually check the condition of the filter. The most common causes of this code are a faulty fuel filter or contaminated fuel. Visual inspection of the fuel can be carried out using a glass container. After a sample is taken and allowed to settle, the water and fuel will separate within a few minutes. The presence of water in the fuel is a sign of contaminated fuel, a bad fuel filter, or both. You should then locate all components in the water in the fuel circuit and perform a thorough visual inspection to check the associated wiring for obvious defects such as scratches, abrasions, exposed wires, or burn marks. Next, you should check the connectors for security, corrosion and damage to the contacts. On most vehicles, the sensor is usually mounted on top of the fuel tank.

Advanced steps

The additional steps become very specific to the vehicle and require the appropriate advanced equipment to be accurately performed. These procedures require a digital multimeter and vehicle specific technical reference documents. The ideal tool to use in this situation is an oscilloscope, if available. The O-scope will provide an accurate illustration of signal pulses and frequency levels that will be proportional to the level of fuel contamination. Typical frequency range is 50 to 150 hertz; 50 Hz corresponds to clean fuel, and 150 Hz corresponds to a high level of pollution. The requirements for voltage and signal pulses depend on the year of manufacture and model of the car.

Voltage test

The water-in-fuel sensor is typically supplied with a reference voltage of approximately 5 volts from the PCM. If this process detects that a power source or ground is missing, a continuity test may be required to verify the integrity of wiring, connectors, and other components. Continuity tests should always be done with power disconnected from the circuit and normal readings for wiring and connections should be 0 ohms of resistance. Resistance or no continuity indicates faulty wiring that is open or shorted and requires repair or replacement.

What are the standard fixes for code P2264?

• Replacing the water in the fuel sensor
• Replacing a blown fuse or fuse (if applicable)
• Cleaning connectors from corrosion
• Repair or replace faulty wiring
• Removing contaminated fuel
• Replacing the fuel filter
• ECU firmware or replacement

Common mistakes can include:

The problem is caused by replacing the PCM or water-in-fuel sensor when the wiring is damaged or the fuel is contaminated.

Hopefully the information in this article has helped point you in the right direction for solving your water in the fuel circuit DTC problem. This article is for informational purposes only and specific technical data and service bulletins for your vehicle should always take priority.

Common Mistakes When Diagnosing Code P2264?

• Clearing ECM Memory Codes Before Checking Freeze Frame Data
• Unable to clear ECM codes after repair is completed
• Unable to make sure the fuel is not contaminated before replacing the water-in-fuel sensor

How serious is the P2264 code?

Code P2264 indicates that the ECM/PCM is detecting a water problem in the fuel sensor circuit. If not corrected, it will not be possible to determine the presence of water and contaminants in the fuel until a proper repair is made.

What repairs can fix code P2264?

• Replace water in fuel sensor
• Remove excessive fuel contamination or water in fuel.
• Repair the wiring or connector to the water in fuel sensor circuit.

Additional comments to consider regarding code P2264

Code P2264 indicates that the ECM/PCM is unable to determine the presence of water in the fuel or contamination of the fuel system due to a short in the water in fuel sensor circuit. Sensor and contamination are the two most common system faults.

What is P2264 Engine Code [Quick Guide]

Need more help with the P2264 code?

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NOTE. This information is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be used as a repair recommendation and we are not responsible for any action you take on any vehicle. All information on this site is protected by copyright.